Obituary of Geraldine Heffernan

Geraldine Joan Heffernan

(February 3, 1923 – September 15, 2018)

Geraldine Joan Heffernan (95), loving wife of Gerald, passed away peacefully at home on September 15, 2018.

Geraldine (nee O’Leary) grew up in the Parkdale neighbourhood of Toronto.  Gerald met “the girl with the curly hair, big smile and a serious love of books” on a blind date in 1938, sparking an 80 year-long romance. Together they enjoyed a variety of activities including dancing, skiing, golfing, tennis and reading.

Geraldine graduated from U of T with a degree in physiotherapy during WWII. The Gerrys married in 1943. As Gerald pursued his career, first in Vancouver then in Edmonton and Toronto, Geraldine took on the challenging task of raising eight children while pursuing her academic interests, completing an honors BA in history at U of T in 1970.

Geraldine is predeceased by her daughter Shelagh. She leaves Gerald and her children: Joe (Marie), Mary Clare, Mark, Helen, Tracy, Teresa and Virginia (Roger) and son-in-law Peter Sinclair. She is fondly remembered by her eight grandchildren, Blake, Siobhan, Spencer, Madeleine, Emma, Yasch, Graham and Danaé; and great-grandchildren Soleil and Cillian.

A special thank you to Eunie Arevalo and her supportive team of caregivers for their compassion, diligence and devotion during Geraldine’s final years.

The family will preside at a private burial.

If desired, donations may be made to the Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation to support Dr. Sandra Black’s research in Alzheimers.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.